Birmingham City: Sebastian Larsson's future at club in the balance

Birmingham City were today considering their stance on in-demand Sebastian Larsson.

Birmingham City were today considering their stance on in-demand Sebastian Larsson.

Blackburn Rovers have made a £500,000 bid for the winger, who is due to be out of contract in the summer.

But Blues were deciding whether to accept and give them the green light to open talks, or keep him until the season’s end.

Rovers’ offer is half that of Newcastle United’s, which came in a fortnight ago, although it could rise due to add-ons.

Blues deemed Newcastle’s acceptable and Larsson’s representatives opened negotiations, only for the transfer to fall through as terms could not be agreed.

Rovers know that Blues are in a tricky position as Larsson rejected the last St Andrew’s contract offer and risk losing him for nothing on a Bosman in May.

But on the other hand, with the Carling Cup still to play for and a battle against Premier League relegation, they could be reluctant to weaken their options by cashing in on a key and experienced performer, even though David Bentley has joined on loan from Spurs.

Larsson missed the Villa derby with the reason given as a nagging hip and groin injury and effectively holds all the aces because ultimately it will be down to him to agree a salary with whichever suitor.

Villa were also reported to have made a bid but this has been denied by a Blues source.

Sunderland have registered an interest in Larsson, but indicated they would prefer to press their case in the summer.

Michel’s agents have flown into Birmingham for talks with Peter Pannu about the Spanish midfielder’s future.

He has been overlooked this season and is unhappy at a lack of action.

Alex McLeish admitted several days ago that things had not worked out and Michel was available.

AEK Athens had been in negotiations with Blues about a loan with a view to a permanent transfer.

But that stalled as the Greek club could not afford a loan fee for the former Sporting Gijon captain’s services, so his representatives have been trying to plot a satisfactory exit strategy with the club.

Michel has yet to make a Premier League appearance this season and has now found himself behind Jordon Mutch in the pecking order.

Mutch returned from a successful loan to Watford and went straight into the side at Millwall in the FA Cup.

And he was on the substitutes’ bench for the visit of Villa with Michel not in the 18 at all.

Another player who has been frustrated by inactivity, Kevin Phillips, has revealed that McLeish will let him go if ‘the right offer’ comes along.

The striker has also yet to start in the Premier League this season – he has made five substitute appearances – and is out of contract in the summer.

Matt Derbyshire has edged ahead of Phillips of late after waiting for an opportunity.

Meanwhile, Academy prodigy Nathan Redmond was today set to sign for Burton Albion on loan.

Redmond became Blues’ second-youngest player in club history at 16 years, 173 days when he came on as substitute in the Carling Cup game against Rochdale in August.

McLeish is keen for the winger to gain competitive experience and welcomed the interest from Brewers boss Paul Peschisolido.